FORMER potters' workplace memories have been showcased at a history group's exhibition.

Ex-employees at Biltons and Royal Doulton's Minton factory have been meeting and compiling photographs and memorabilia over the past 12 weeks.

The project, organised by Age UK North Staffordshire and funded through National Lottery grants, culminated in a display at the West End Village retirement complex in Stoke yesterday.

Tracey Humphries, of Age UK North Staffordshire, explained that the idea for the project stemmed from the fact that the Biltons factory was formerly on the site of the West End Village, in London Road.

She said: "There are people living here who used to work at Biltons. We wanted to be able to leave the village with some heritage from what was here. We've had groups of people – residents of the village and non-residents – come in for 12 weeks to reminisce and share stories."

Mrs Humphries said it is particularly important that the younger generation remembers the history of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent.

She added: "It's vital they know that there was an industry here. This place in Stoke wasn't always a retirement village.

"It was quite an important factory at the time because it supplied everyday plates to the general public."

Biltons – a tableware manufacturer – closed in January 1999 when the company folded with the loss of 270 jobs.

Former employees of the factory expressed their delight at the group's exhibition.

Daphne Roberts, aged 67, of Trent Vale, worked at the company from 1988 to its closure in 1999.

Mrs Roberts, who has been involved with the project since its second week, said: "Working for the company was good because my husband was there as well.

"It was a lovely place to work – everyone got on well.

"I've got a scrapbook at home and that's where most of the photographs on display have come from.

"The end result is really good I feel and our heritage should be remembered."

Husband Harold Roberts, aged 70, of Trent Vale, who started with the company as a labourer in 1987, added: "It's brought back a lot of memories and people I haven't seen for ages have been cropping up.

"When we were together, it was like an extended family, and of course there were a number of people who had all of their family members working there. It was just a great place to work."

Stuart Rhodes, aged 66, of Fenton, who was brought up on Liverpool Road, Stoke before working at Biltons, was also involved in the project.

He said: "I've got brilliant memories. It was a good company to work for, alongside some smashing people. You were treated well too.

"My father, my mother and my three brothers worked there. That certainly added to the family feel I got from the company."